Chronic Interstitial Nephritis in Agricultural Communities: A Patient in Paraguay

Abstract

Chronic interstitial nephritis in agricultural communities (CINAC), also named chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown origin or Mesoamerican nephropathy, is defined as a form of CKD affecting young farmers (mainly men). CINAC is not directly related to diabetes mellitus, glomerulonephritis, hypertension, or other known causes of CKD. Patients with CINAC live and work mainly in poor agricultural communities, often in hot tropical regions, and are occupationally exposed to potentially toxic agrochemicals through work, ingestion, water, and/or inhalation.